Gloucester Rugby team news

George Skivington has named his side to take on Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park tomorrow afternoon.

In the pack, Nepo Laulala returns to the starting XV as tighthead, in the only change in the forwards from last week. Ciaran Knight & Seb Blake join the Kiwi prop in the front row, with Freddie Thomas and Mati Alemanno continuing in the second row. Josh Basham, James Venter and Hugh Bokenham complete the pack.

In the backs, Skivington has been forced into more changes following injuries for Ollie Thorley, Ben Loader and Josiah Edwards-Giraud.

Tomos Williams returns to captain the side from scrum-half, with Ross Byrne starting once more in the 10 shirt. Llewellyn and Joseph continue their partnership in the centres, with Ben Redshaw returning from injury to make his Club debut on the right wing, with academy flyer Jack Cotgreave coming into the team for his first Gallagher PREM appearance this season.

Amongst the replacements, there are more possible PREM debuts waiting for Dian Bleuler and Will Knight. Bleuler, arrived at the Club last week after signing from the Sharks in South Africa, whilst academy centre, Knight, who impressed during in his performances during the PREM Cup also waits in the wings. They are joined on the bench by Jack Innard, Afo Fasogbon, Cam Jordan, Jack Mann, Caolan Englefield and George Barton.

Gloucester Rugby matchday squad

15 Charlie Atkinson

14 Ben Redshaw

13 Will Joseph

12 Max Llewellyn

11 Jack Cotgreave

10 Ross Byrne

9 Tomos Williams (C)

1 Ciaran Knight

2 Seb Blake

3 Nepo Laulala

4 Freddie Thomas

5 Matias Alemanno

6 Josh Basham

7 James Venter

8 Hugh Bokenham

16 Jack Innard

17 Dian Bleuler*

18 Afo Fasogbon

19 Cam Jordan

20 Jack Mann

21 Caolan Englefield

22 George Barton

23 Will Knight*

*Denotes Gallagher PREM debut.

Unavailable for selection

Val Rapava Ruskin, Jamal Ford-Robinson, Jack Singleton, Arthur Clark, Jack Clement, Lewis Ludlow, Ollie Thorley, Seb Atkinson, Ben Loader, Rob Russell, Josiah Edwards-Giraud.

Following Gloucester Rugby’s recent Gallagher PREM fixture against Bristol Bears, the Club can confirm the following injury updates:

Ben Loader

Ben Loader was withdrawn at half-time due to a hamstring injury. While surgical intervention will not be required, Loader will undergo a period of rehabilitation under the supervision of the Gloucester Rugby medical team.

Josiah Edwards-Giraud

Josiah Edwards-Giraud sustained an ankle injury in the closing stages of the match. He will require surgery and will subsequently begin a structured rehabilitation programme with the Club’s medical staff.

Ollie Thorley

Ollie Thorley was removed from play after sustaining a head injury. He was taken to hospital for assessment and returned to Kingsholm following the match. Thorley will now follow the 12-day graduated return-to-play protocols before being cleared to play.